Description:
The Royal Corps of Transport had 'adopted' and renovated Samuel Morley's grave in Nottingham General Cemetery.
Private Morley's service career began with the 8th Hussars where he served in the Crimea from September 1855. A year later, he transferred to the Military Train (Royal Army Service Corps). His military record was not a spotless one -he was court martialled twice and served two terms of imprisonment, being prone to going absent without leave - but he was undoubtedly one of the bravest men ever to serve with the British Army. His regiment was sent to India, and he fought in the Indian Mutiny. A summary of the citation concerning Morley's actions which ultimately resulted in him being awarded the Victoria Cross - 'On 15th April 1858, Kooer Singh's Army were pursued by a squadron of the Military Train and some troops of the Horse Artillery at Azimgurh, India. Lieutenant Hamilton, of the 3rd Sikh Cavalry, became unhorsed and was surrounded by the enemy, who cut and hacked at him as he lay on the ground. Private Morley, seeing the Officers predicament, and despite the fact that his own horse had been shot from under him, immediately, with the aid of Farrier Murphy, cut down one of the Sepoys, and continued fighting over the Lieutenants body until assistance arrived. This action saved Lieutenant Hamilton from being killed on the spot'. Private Morley felt somewhat perturbed when he learned that Farrier Murphy had been awarded the Victoria Cross (London Gazette, 27 May 1859). He told General Paget CB of his grievance, during his inspection at Aldershot in 1860. The general took up the complaint, read reports of the action, and on the evidence the powers that be, decided that Morley should also receive the VC. He was presented with his Victoria Cross by her Majesty Queen Victoria in Home Park, Windsor, on 9 November 1860. After spending nearly 15 years in the army, he was discharged in 1870. He found work at the local Gas-works. He died at the age of 59 on 16 June 1888. The City of Nottingham, subscribed and paid for a stone to be erected on the grave of their local hero. (information from www.victoriacross.co.uk) This picture shows the gravestone after restoration and cleaning by the Royal Corps of Transport. Brigadier A F R Evans, Commander Royal Corps of Transport Territorial Army, paid tribute to Samuel Morley during a short service to mark the completion of the restoration of the memorial. The ceremony was attended by the Sheriff and his Lady, Councillor and Mrs Tom Harby and by descendants of Samuel Morley. An Honour Guard was provided by the Morley Troop, The Junior Leaders Regiment Royal Corps of Transport, and their trumpeters sounded the Last Post and Reveille. A wreath was laid by Regimental Sargeant Major S Harrison. Morley's Victoria Cross and campaign medals were missing for many years but are now in the hands of the Royal Corps of Transport at Aldershot.